Regarding Privilege

Now that we have put our pride to the side, it’s time to dive into a topic that tends to cause discomfort: privilege. If you have access to a computer, internet access, and an education, you have “privileges” that others in this world do not. By definition, a privilege is a “right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed by a particular person or a restricted group of people beyond the advantages of most” (Dictionary.com). Having these privileges is no small feat; remember, this movement does not seek to invalidate the struggles that you have faced. Life is hard; we can all agree with that. The question then becomes, is your life harder because of your race? 

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If you are a white person in America, you have certain advantages simply because you are a part of the majority race.  Some advantages are discreet while others can be life-altering. As a white person, if I go on vacation and forget to pack my shampoo, the hotel’s toiletries will suit my hair’s needs. In fact, I know that there will be multiple options for my skin and hair needs in nearly every beauty store in the country. When I go into a social setting, I will be surrounded by people of the same race. When I talk to people there, they generally won’t remember me as “the white girl.” I am privileged because other white people will recognize me for my individuality, though many of my Black counterparts are often described in reference to their race. 

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Now that you understand white privilege, you will see that it is all around us. Privilege can cause people to feel guilty for the damage that their ancestors have inflicted on Black lives and the benefits they continue to receive as a result of this violence; however, recognizing your own privilege is a vital component of allyship. This guilt exists for even the most dedicated allies, but recall that we must separate the needs of our ego from the needs of the cause. With great privilege comes great responsibility. As “Me and White Supremacy” author Layla F. Saad stated,“you cannot dismantle what you cannot see.” While we all may feel a moral responsibility to support Black Lives Matter, white people also have a strategic responsibility to use their privilege in support of the movement. You see, our brains are wired to trust people that are similar to ourselves; therefore, white people feel comfortable around other white people (Test, 2018). With over 75% of the American population being white, imagine the power that accompanies white allyship (US Census Bureau, 2019). When people of your race share their inner thoughts, however ignorant, your privilege puts you in a position to educate others about the realities of racism in America and their potential power as an ally. To be impactful allies, we must use our privilege to extend knowledge to those “like us,” so that the goals of the movement are fulfilled. 

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Non-Black people in America hold a type of racial privilege that Black Americans do not. It takes conscientious effort on our part to reflect and catch this privilege, though it can feel uncomfortable. There’s no question that white Americans hold the power in many of our nation’s systems: government, business, education, housing, etc. Next week, we will describe the framework surrounding racial disparities in America. 

This week’s action items are reflection based, as recognizing your own privilege is inherently self-oriented. Even if you are non-White, consider what privileges your skin color grants you that Black individuals are not granted. Of course, we recognize that being non-White comes at a general disadvantage; however, certain privileges still exist. In future weeks, Soundarya will dive into the model minority myth within America’s race narrative. 

1. For now, grab a journal and a quiet place to focus, and consider the following questions:

   1. In what ways do you hold privilege? Make a list of ways you hold privilege in your personal life. 

   2. What negative experiences has your privilege protected you from throughout your life?

   3. What positive experiences has your privilege granted you in your life that Black people do not generally have?

   4. What have you learned about privilege that makes you uncomfortable?

   5. How can you use your privilege to become a more impactful ally?

2. To take a deeper dive, check out these books by Black authors that will help guide your reflections. 

   1. Me and White Supremacy, Layla F. Saad

   2. Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, Renni Eddo-Lodge

   3. White Rage; the Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide, Carol Anderson